Definition of Physical Wellness

Physical wellness promotes proper care of our bodies for optimal health and functioning. There are
many elements of physical wellness that all must be cared for together. Overall physical wellness
encourages the balance of physical activity, nutrition and mental well-being to keep your body in top
condition. Obtaining an optimal level of physical wellness allows you to nurture personal responsibility
for your own health. As you become conscious of your physical health, you are able to identify elements
you are successful in as well as elements you would like to improve.

Why is Physical Wellness Important?

Physical Wellness encourages us to care for our bodies through physical activity, proper nutrition, and a
strong mind.

Physical Activity

Being physically active is crucial to keeping your body in its top condition. A few proven benefits of
physical activity are strengthened bones and muscles, reduced risk of disease and stroke, and more
energy. Learn more about physical activity.

Nutrition

It is important to nurture your body by eating a well-balanced diet. Filling yourself with a variety of
nutrients and vitamins will not only help prevent illness, but will also keep your body functioning at its
best. Find healthy eating resources on campus.

Mental Well-Being

Having optimal levels of physical activity and maintaining proper nutrition is key to improving your
overall emotional wellness. Not only will you sharpen your thinking and learning abilities, you will also
enhance your sense of self-esteem and self-control.

The Route to Physical Wellness

Understanding the relationship between your body’s physical health and mental health is crucial in
order to develop a balanced physical wellness. When you take the route to physical wellness you will
learn to understand how your body preforms physically and be able to connect it to how you feel
mentally. Physical wellness encourages principles of good health and knowledge, which affect behavior
patterns that lead to a healthy lifestyle. Below are a few suggestions for you to practice to maintain an
optimal level of physical wellness.
Engage in physical activity everyday for 30 minutes. You may break up your daily 30 minutes into 10
minutes bouts.

Use stairs instead of the elevator or escalator and walk whenever possible.

Learn to recognize warning signs when your body begins feeling ill.

Eat a variety of healthy foods and control your meal portions.

Maintain a regular sleep schedule and get between 7-9 hours of sleep each night.

Practice safe sex.

Physical Wellness Resources

Are you interested in enhancing your physical wellness? Because there are various elements to
maintaining physical wellness, it is important to learn how to balance these elements. Below is a list of
resources available to you both here at UC Davis and at other outside organizations.

What is Physical Wellness?

Pursuing regular physical movement, a nutritious diet, adequate sleep and

practicing safe behaviors.   

Physical wellness is the ability to maintain a healthy quality of life that allows
us to get the most out of our daily activities without undue fatigue or physical
stress. Physical wellness means living responsibly and taking care of your
body, and recognizing that our daily habits and behaviors have a significant
impact on our overall health, wellness and quality of life.  Adopting healthful
habits (i.e. a balanced diet, regular movement or physical activity, adequate
sleep, routine health checks etc.) while avoiding or minimizing destructive
habits (i.e. tobacco, drugs, alcohol, unsafe sex, etc.) will lead to optimal
physical wellness and reduced risk of preventable chronic illness.

BENEFITS
Exercise Controls Weight · 2. Exercise Combats Health Conditions And Diseases · 3. Exercise
Improves Mood · 4. Exercise leads to Better Sleep.